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20/01/2004
31% rises in water bills may be underestimate: WaterVoice
The huge rises in water bills predicted last year by the industry may have been seriously underestimated, according to the water utility watchdog WaterVoice.
The agency said that 2004 was already set to be a difficult year for water customers, but average proposed water bill increases of £72 (31%), plus inflation, "may even underestimate the real cost to customers" of water companies' activities for 2005 to 2010.
In a briefing note published today, summarising WaterVoice's final responses to water companies' draft business plans, WaterVoice said that the true costs of proposed environmental improvements may be higher than those proposed last autumn. Implementing EU directives, alongside new taxation and accounting methods, could force prices up even further, it claimed.
Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, said: "There might be a sting in the tail of the 2004 Price Review, if companies are required by government to aim for more ambitious environmental standards. Such demands could also distract water companies from work which has more direct impact on and urgency for customers, such as measures to tackle sewer flooding.
"Rather than rush to implement the provisions of various EU Directives, where the benefits of doing so are not clear-cut, several companies have suggested that they carry out studies to determine the best way forward. We support this approach."
Companies' preferred strategies detail capital expenditure on environmental improvements at £4.7 billion. Yet the environmental schemes proposed by companies do not, for the most part, include: new designations under the Freshwater Fish Directive; extensions to the Shellfish Directive; and designation of the North Sea, North East Irish Sea and the Solent, among others, as 'sensitive waters'.
(gmcg)
The agency said that 2004 was already set to be a difficult year for water customers, but average proposed water bill increases of £72 (31%), plus inflation, "may even underestimate the real cost to customers" of water companies' activities for 2005 to 2010.
In a briefing note published today, summarising WaterVoice's final responses to water companies' draft business plans, WaterVoice said that the true costs of proposed environmental improvements may be higher than those proposed last autumn. Implementing EU directives, alongside new taxation and accounting methods, could force prices up even further, it claimed.
Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, said: "There might be a sting in the tail of the 2004 Price Review, if companies are required by government to aim for more ambitious environmental standards. Such demands could also distract water companies from work which has more direct impact on and urgency for customers, such as measures to tackle sewer flooding.
"Rather than rush to implement the provisions of various EU Directives, where the benefits of doing so are not clear-cut, several companies have suggested that they carry out studies to determine the best way forward. We support this approach."
Companies' preferred strategies detail capital expenditure on environmental improvements at £4.7 billion. Yet the environmental schemes proposed by companies do not, for the most part, include: new designations under the Freshwater Fish Directive; extensions to the Shellfish Directive; and designation of the North Sea, North East Irish Sea and the Solent, among others, as 'sensitive waters'.
(gmcg)
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07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
29 August 2003
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
07 June 2004
Authorities urged to slash proposed water bill increases
Government and Ofwat today faced calls to 'turn off the tap' and cut, by at least a third, proposed average water bill rises of £70, or 29.2%, over the next five years.
Authorities urged to slash proposed water bill increases
Government and Ofwat today faced calls to 'turn off the tap' and cut, by at least a third, proposed average water bill rises of £70, or 29.2%, over the next five years.
28 November 2003
Poorer customers to struggle with water prices, says watchdog
Low income customers across the east of England may struggle to pay their water bills if the proposed price increases get the go-ahead, says the local watchdog.
Poorer customers to struggle with water prices, says watchdog
Low income customers across the east of England may struggle to pay their water bills if the proposed price increases get the go-ahead, says the local watchdog.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
